A Message From THE REBEL
A Product of PEP Productions, LLC
AminoSweet / Aspartame
We're familiar with aspartame (NutraSweet/Equal). But, what is AminoSweet? Is it aspartame renamed? I asked this question of Mary Stoddard, who has been 'Spokesperson and Founder' of the international aspartame awareness campaign since1987, with her all volunteer non-profit organization, Aspartame Consumer Safety Network and Pilot Hotline.
"I'm finding it a bit frustrating doing in-depth research on this crazy redo of aspartame. It's my understanding that it has the same formula, with a different name. I've been looking up the labeling requirements and legal ramifications of this.
"My logical thought is that nothing has changed but the name. However, knowing the FDA as I do, the labeling requirement may have been eliminated arbitrarily. The autonomous nature of the agency gives them almost carte blanche. Even Congress cannot do anything but rule on labeling requirements. This might be a good thing, if we had a truly independent-thinking FDA. But, members of the agency are so tied in with corporations whose products they approve and regulate, that this does not work.
"As to why the name was changed? I like to think our efforts have had something to do with that unprecedented action being taken by the NutraSweet company. Aspartame and NutraSweet are words that denote something unhealthy now. Our awareness campaign is working after almost a quarter of a century - so well, in fact, that we are our own worst enemy. So much so that, in order to conceal the harmful nature of the established brand, the name is being changed to something they perceive to be more benign. In reality, we have studies showing artificial amino acids (those produced in a lab) in isolated form (not in the presence of other ameliorating amino acids, as found in nature) is a dangerous path to follow. In my estimation, actions such as this one, serve to further pollute our food supply and that of our precious children. In a fool-hearty rush to 'improve' upon nature and increase the profitability of our manufactured food supply, we are possibly damaging it beyond the point of no return, through greed.
"We do know that artificial sweeteners 'trick the tongue and body' into thinking natural sugars are entering the digestive system. Upon discovery of having been deceived, the body goes into a sort of shutdown mode to regroup and prepare for an invasion by a foreign body. Thus forcing the system into an unnatural action of having to revamp and deal the best it can with a fake food crisis - every time aspartame is ingested, this fire drill is repeated - creating a new, false 'norm.'
"Until I find something further, telling me I am off base, I'll go with 'nothing has changed except the name.' Sounds more like an AminoSour to me!"
As Ms. Stoddard says, since we can't depend on the FDA to give us unbiased information, the burden falls on our shoulders. Read the labels! If you see any of these words, AminoSweet, NutraSweet, Equal, aspartame, know that these are chemicals that weaken your immune system. Avoid them!! Children particularly should not consume foods or drinks with these ingredients. Remember to look at other items as well, such as chewing gum, medications, and vitamins. Bottom line, anything that goes in the mouth should be checked to see if any of these ingredients are on the label.
It's our choice to purchase – or not to purchase – these products. To protect your health, I say, "Avoid these products!"
Jayne Benkendorf, editor
The Rebel
